The Mets have had one of the most roller-coaster histories of any major league franchise. From loveable losers to miracle champions; the frustrating 1970s followed by the glorious 1980s; surprise challengers to infuriating underachievers; phenomenal prospects to horrendous free agents. The one thing you can always count on with the Mets is-they are never boring

But with the franchise about to turn 60, it's hard for even the most diehard of Mets fans to keep track of it all. That's where Fabulous to Futile in Flushing, by New York journalist David Russell, comes in. Part reference, part narrative, part tip sheet, Fabulous to Futile in Flushing condenses each of the Amazins' 58 seasons into 5 or 6 pages of all the essentials: off-season deals and planning; a month-by-month recap; the big wins, big losses, and big moments; player stats, hot streaks, and cold streaks; pennant races and postseason recaps, though not that many of those The text is also full of numerous great quotes from players, management, and media.

More than anything, the annual recaps are full of fun, because with the Mets, well, how else could it be? The story of each season also features entertaining sidebars that make it great to just flip to any time in their history for a good laugh, a frustrated shake of the head, or to declare, "Wow, oh yeah, I forgot about that."

There are entries on each year's Opening Day lineup, the Top 5 Moments, team MFaP and MFuP (most fabulous and most futile player), Final Resting Ground (for the many who hung 'em with the Mets), and He Was a Met? Also included are 7 challenging trivia quizzes (one for each decade) that will send you on a fun journey to the deep recesses of your Mets memories.

So come on and meet the Mets. Step right up and greet the Mets. You're guaranteed to have the time of your life even just reading about the fabulous and futile Mets.